KSA Partners with Kakamega & Vihiga Counties on Geospatial Technologies

During the week of 1st and 2nd February 2024, the Acting Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey, visited the Western region to engage with stakeholders in Vihiga and Kakamega Counties on areas of common interest in the utilization of geospatial technologies.

The first stop was on Thursday 1st February 2024 when KSA and the County Government of Kakamega signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the development of the county spatial plan, access to earth observation data and capacity building in earth observation applications.

On Friday 2nd February 2024, the DG met and held discussions with the County Government of Vihiga  Governor, H.E Wilber Ottichillo. The DG commended the Governor for his sterling efforts in championing and mainstreaming the use of Geospatial technologies for decision support and development planning at the County. During the meeting, KSA and Vihiga County also signed an MOU on collaboration in the use of geospatial technologies.

KSA is keen to work with Counties to better understand their needs and how the agency can support them. During the meetings, KSA indicated its willingness to support Kakamega and Vihiga County in accessing high-resolution satellite imagery to assist in their efforts to develop the counties' spatial plans.

Additionally, KSA separately agreed with both counties to collaborate in the development of tools and applications for decision support in Agriculture, Spatial planning, and disaster management, among other areas. KSA agreed to work closely with Vihiga County in the development of the County's GIS policy, which could find applications in other counties in the country.

The meetings were attended by senior officials from Kakamega and Vihiga County governments respectively. Also present during the courtesy calls were KSA's Acting Director for Space Sector & Technology Development Mr. Charles Mwangi and the KSA Geospatial team. Dr Mariam Baraza, CECM Lands, housing & physical planning - Kakamega county, Ms. Vivianne Mmbaka, county Attorney Kakamega and the CECM Department of Public Service, Management and ICT Mr. Joseph Lunani were the signatories from both Counties respectively. The County Secretary and Head of Public Service Vihiga County Mr. Ezekiel Ayiego was a witness.